Hobo or Satchel: Which style do you prefer? That ultimately depends on how you like to wear your handbags. Many of you loved the Botkier Venice Hobo, as did the entire PurseBlog team, and now we will bring you information on the fraternal sister of the the bag. The Botkier Venice Satchel’s design contains every aspect of the hobo that we found so edgy and cool: the exposed zips, tassels and smooshy leather. The satchel comes with an optional shoulder strap. I am more of a hobo girl, give me my bag and let me sling it over my shoulder, but I have a soft spot for satchels with shoulder straps. Still throwing it over my shoulder and still loving the look. The colors of Botkier bag I love most and this satchel is available in caramel or sunshine yellow. Now I ask you; hobo or satchel in the Botkier Venice bag? Buy through Nordstrom for $595.

Let the lusting begin. The Botkier Venice Hobo is designed with smooth supple leather. The leather from Botkier is amazing, this I can attest to. Ample front zippers and tassels add an extra dimension that looks super chic. The hobo will fit perfectly under your arm and not rub right under your arm with the 9″ drop. All sorts of pockets are on the inside for storage as well, a zip and three open pockets. And this hobo is extra roomy, dimensions are 16″W X 13″H X 2½”D. I love this bag. A yellow version for $595 at Nordstrom is available (they have a magnificent yellow hue) or opt for black or caramel (which is my pick) at Saks for $595.

Spring not only means flowers and warmer weather, but it means Sample Sale season is here! Designers will be emptying out amazing items for prices that are beyond amazingly low. Up next this week is the Botkier Sample Sale, offering between 50-70% off handbags, shoes and wallets. Even better, if you bring your mother to the sale they will give you an additional 10% off as a Mother’s Day treat. We are huge fans of Botkier Bags here, so make sure if you are in the NYC area to check out their sample sale.

Botkier Handbags have become a household name. After meeting Monica, I began to await her fall handbags. The look for her Fall 2008 line is very, well, Fall-esque. With nylon that feels and looks like satin, in deep luscious hues, the bags are fitting for the fall and winter that is slowly coming upon us.

The first bag from the Botkier Fall 2008 line that we reviewed is the Botkier Stevie Convertible Satchel in burgundy nylon. Now this bag I loved for many reasons. First off, the East/West shape was the perfect size for my body. This is deemed the convertible satchel because of the option shoulder strap. I threw on the shoulder strap and found it perfectly fitting, and perfect for a woman on the go. This can be worn cross body as well, making it a great day to day bag as well. The bag is also very functional, offering an outside open pocket with a magnetic closure with two pocket compartments. A nice touch for your cell phone or keys, and the magnetic closure helps give some reassurance that you may not loose your goods. The inside has a zip and cell phone pocket with black Botkier canvas lining.

The color appeals to me the most. I have always been a fan of Burgundy, something about the deep hue of Scarlett that is feminine, regal, and majestic. Could also be the fact that I am an Ohio State Buckeye, meaning that I am obsessed with Scarlett and Grey. The nylon adds a nice touch, but there are a few things I know about this satin appearing nylon. First off, it does not always wear well. It shows wear, it rubs, and then it begins to look cheap. Also, it is truly not meant for every season. This bag will be perfect from mid-October through February, and then it needs to be put away for the next late-fall mostly winter season. But even with the usability a notch down, I am oddly drawn to this handbag. I tried it on and it just looked good on me. Yes, that is somewhat selfish of me to only think of myself, but it is true. I am not tan, I am not pasty white, my skin tone is just ‘normal’. But when I put this bag on, it just seemed to fit. And the burgundy on the nylon, which I would not usually love, radiated and looked even better on me than I imagined.

There are three versions of the Stevie available on Shop Bop right now, including the Burgundy Stevie Satchel. The Stevie Satchel also comes in a Sapphire blue, but I think that is pushing it. There is the Botkier Stevie Tote available in black and silver via Shop Bop for $450. Also, the Botkier Stevie Satchel is available in Silver, Black, and Chocolate (which I really adore) for $475 via Shop Bop.

Lastly you can buy the bag we reviewed through Shop Bop for $450.

Who: Botkier Handbags and Purses
Date: June 19th- 22nd
Time: Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am -6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Location: 172 Mercer between Prince and Houston
Phone number: 646 747 4149
Discount: 50-70% off
Styles: Variety of Spring Summer styles and one-of-a-kind samples. And for the first time, Botkier Shoes and wallets!!
For example: Marysia, Isis, Frankie, beautiful handbag styles in leather with custom hardware originally $750 now $300, $695 now $275, and $350 now $150!
Kiss, Sofia, beautiful shoes styles in leather with custom hardware originally $475 now $195, $395 now $150
Samples of your favorite styles up to 70% off!!!

Click here to read the Q&A with Monica Botkier.

Botkier bags have become a fan favorite in the handbag loving world. As the brand has developed over the past five years Monica Botkier, the designer, has kept true to her fans producing more hip and usable bags each season. Recently there was a release of Botkier shoes, which I look forward to seeing in person. The favorite of mine is still the Sasha (which you all went crazy over). I saw the Botkier Frankie Satchel at Saks last week and it immediately caught my attention. The bag contains all of the familiarities of Botkier bags, but adds a special touch with the silver patent leather. Now this patent is not the very glossy patent that we are used to, it is toned down a bit. There is also a detachable mini coin purse, which is always a nice accessory to add to your bag. The frame top gives this bag a dressed up feel and the braided detail handles gives a fun edge. Dimensions are 15″W X 11¼”H X 5¾”D . This is a great option if you have been looking for a little glimmer and spunk. $695 via Saks.

The Botkier Sasha Duffle has been a fan favorite, including with myself. This purse is a practical and chic option for an everyday bag. And after saw mommie Angelina Jolie toting this bag, it became an even bigger hit. But why is it so sought after? That is easy, it is a great design; perfect size, great price, fun shape. The Botkier Sasha Mini Duffle Bag is just in time for the spring craving of bright colors, as it is designed with pink supple lambskin and the usual double top handles and removable shoulder strap. There is a front pocket and zip closure. Dimensions of the Mini are 12¼”W X 6½”H X 5½”D. If you are looking for a bag from a great designer for a great price, you should definitely check out Botkier bags. Buy through Saks for $525.

The metallic trend is still here. Personally, I do love the trend to a certain extent. I am not one for carrying a huge metallic bag around, it is just not my style. I opt to bring in metallics in clutches and evening bags, rather than everyday totes. I would, however, consider bringing a metallic bag into my everyday mix if it is fun and more of a bag deal that a bank breaker. The Botkier Sasha was one of our biggest giveaway hits, with well over 1,000 entries. I loved it in black leather and the pewter patent leather is slowly growing on me. The Botkier Large Sasha Duffle Tote has been jazzed up for spring in pewter patent leather and silver hardware which gives the perfect metallic in a great shape and a good price. There is the option of the long or short straps, which is a major plus. While this bag is more of a deal if you are looking for a metallic, I can not say that I will be buying it. I suppose the big bag metallics are just not for me; they are too much for my taste. I will stick to my small handbags when opting for shiny metallics, but this may be an option for you. Buy through Net A Porter for $695.

What: Botkier Sample Sale

Date: December 6-9th, 2007

Time: Thursday and Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm

Location: 70 Greene Street, between Broome and Spring

Phone number: 646 747 4149

Discount: 50-70% off

Styles: Variety of Fall/Winter styles, as well as one of a kind samples!!
Harley, Cairo, Sophie… Beautiful styles in leather with custom hardware with prices originally $725 now $300, $925 now $400, and $695 now $200.

Samples of your favorite styles up to 70% off!!!

Make sure to check out Botkier’s Holiday re-vamped website while you are at it.

A couple months ago Botkier sponsored a giveaway you all, and the reception was amazing! It seems the simplicity behind their Sasha Duffle just fits your lifestyle and wants perfectly. So I kept looking at the bag (keeping the bags for a month during giveaways is TORTURE!), and fell in love also. The Botkier Sasha Duffle converts from a shoulder bag to a tote easily, offering optimal room, and gives a perfect slouch with its Italian lambskin leather. The black version is obviously perfect for everyday use, but the pewter adds such a bang that it is a great metallic option. When choosing a metallic, especially if you are not sure that is 100% you, go for an option that is more affordable in a shape that will last seasons. The pewter adds a little bling, and the black and brown are toned down but perfect for everyday use. There is the option of double top handles or a shoulder strap. And when you open this bag, the inside compartment is huge and filled with organizing pockets. There is a zip pocket, an open pocket, and a cell phone pocket. Just a fabulous everyday bag with a much more affordable price than the others. Buy the silver via Saks for $695. Brown and black are available at Net A Porter for $695 also.

This is your last chance to sign up for our Botkier Sasha Giveaway!!

The lovely folks at Botkier have given us the fabulous Botkier Sasha tote in black leather for the month of September! The rules to participate are simple, head over to the Purse Forum, register an account if you already haven’t, and submit your entry to win.

Many thanks to Botkier!

Thanks to the good people at Botkier, we are giving away a chic Botkier Sasha tote in black leather for the month of September! The rules to participate are simple, head over to the Purse Forum, register an account if you already haven’t, and submit your entry to win.

Many thanks to Botkier and also thanks to our resident bag blogger Meggers for modeling the pretty bag on a pretty Sunday afternoon in Columbus.

Angie has already been seen sporting this bag in black and now she has been spotted wearing it in crème. Looks like Angelina Jolie has a case of the Botkier loves. Wearing her typical garb, a black dress, big shades, black boots, and simple bag, Angelina Jolie was leaving LA Studios with Maddox carrying the Botkier Sasha Duffel Bag in crème. This satchel has been a huge hit and will continue to make those who carry it happy. Designed with luscious lambkin, this duffel bag can double as going over the shoulder with a longer strap or being folded to a more compact handbag (both options pictures below). Simple to throw on, there is a zip top closure, buckled straps on the front, and a front flap pocket with an extended tab. Dimensions are 8 1/2″H x 10″W x 6″D. Angie loves this bag and so do we! Inquire for the crème at Botkier or buy either black or chocolate at Saks for $695.

More images of Angie and Maddox below!

Images via Celeb Utopia

In my opinion one of the most gorgeous women alive is Heidi Klum. With or without makeup, Heidi can pull off stunning in a heart beat. Completely in touch with her body and style, Heidi goes from one day to the next with a different ensemble looking gorgeous. Ok obviously I am a tad bit obsessed with Heidi, she is my girl crush. Recently, she has been seen sporting a lusious black handbag that sports a divine braided shoulder strap. From the Fall/Winter 07 season, the Botkier Black Rose Satchel has been Heidi Klum’s bag of choice. This Botkier bag is a stunning number, with its supple lambskin, braided shoulder strap, and feminine leather rose coin purse. The bag will be available in black, cherry, bronze and metallic plum. I am head over heels in love, and would love to see the cherry version. Check Botkier or contact your local Botkier supplier. Seriously stunning for $675.

More pics below!